| dc.description.abstract | Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) is the infusion of a healthy individual's gut microbiota into another individual suffering from disease, with the intent to cure the disease and return the individual to health. Many studies have been completed, each one analyzing a different question regarding FMT. The aim of this study was to determine what is known about FMT. This scoping review gathered sources from the databases of CINAHL, Cochrane, Embase, Epistemonikos, Joanna Briggs Institute, Medline, and ProQuest. Inclusion criteria included English language, all ages, all medical diagnoses, all years, and the impact on all aspects of the microbiome (bacterial, viral, and fungal). Exclusion criteria included studies not conducted under medical supervision, no protocol, and animal subjects. The primary objective is to identify the disease processes treated with FMT and their given outcomes. Secondary objectives include identifying the potential administration routes and outcomes surrounding each one as well as the donors selected for FMT and the impact donor selection has on outcomes. A scoping review of available data was conducted electronically and 1,251 titles were identified. From these, 267 titles were selected for full review after reviewing titles and abstracts. After full article review, 185 titles met inclusion and exclusion criteria for final analysis. Data was extracted from each title by the researcher and supervising professor. Results revealed FMT is an effective treatment option for a variety of diseases such as clostridium difficile, graft-versus-host disease, inflammatory bowel diseases, obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and slow transit constipation, with minimal and mild adverse reactions. New areas of investigation include curative potential of FMT for other body systems impacted by alterations in gut microbiota as well as establishment of universal stool banks. Future studies should identify a universal protocol for FMT administration and donor selection. | |
